Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering

Welcome from the Directors

The Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (GSBSE) is a statewide program that includes the University of Maine as the degree granting institution and four additional cooperating academic and research institutions within Maine (Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, The Jackson Laboratory, The University of New England, MaineHealth Institute for Research). With over 100 faculty, GSBSE provides a flexible, collaborative research environment where students can freely explore a wide range of research interests. The GSBSE offers a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science, a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, and a Professional Science Masters (PSM) in Bioinformatics.  

Faculty research subject specialties are diverse.  Research areas include  aging, tissue remodeling and repair, biomaterials, metabolism, muscle, bone, and cardiovascular diseases,  kidney vascularization, cancer, mouse model generation, genomics, bioinformatics, image analysis, computational modeling, neuroscience, stress response, toxicology, infectious disease, label free and advanced imaging, stem cells, reproductive biology, cell signaling, biosensors, bioengineering, and photo physics.

In the first year, GSBSE students are able to rotate through at least three different research labs. These rotations can be at multiple institutions or can concentrate at a single institution.   This individualized program enables students to gain a diverse scientific foundation while achieving their own training and educational goals.  Core courses are completed by the second year (link to course programs).  After forming a faculty committee, students propose a dissertation topic and take their candidacy exams (program details page) before starting their third year. After becoming a Ph.D. candidate, students focus on their research full-time until their Ph.D. defense.

The surreal beauty of Maine provides an ideal setting for faculty and students to live and work. GSBSE works to foster a supportive, open research environment of shared scientific interests, collaboration, and expertise. The recent award of a T32 (1T32GM132006-01), Transdisciplinary Predoctoral Training and Biomedical Science and Engineering, provides for additional pre-doctoral training opportunities. GSBSE has an explicit focus on mentor and mentee training, along with programs designed to support student wellness and resilience. Furthermore, Maine’s culture of artistic endeavors and outdoor experiences provides limitless opportunities for students to grow, explore, and develop an effective and rewarding work life balance

Gregory Cox
GSBSE Director

Michael Mason
GSBSE Associate Director